I need to do the math after some recent selloffs but my Alden suede collection may be bigger than my Alden shell collection at this point. Alden suede is vastly underrated IMO

I have more Alden suede than shell right now, although in admittedly small quantities (3 to 2). But I do have 3 shell pre-orders going so that balance will shift when those come in. I am always on the lookout for good suede makeups from Alden, I think it's just as good as their shell, depending on your individual tastes and wardrobe needs.

A big thanks to the 7.5D guys who passed on the recent DC Ravello LWB, also to the enablers haha. I emailed this past Saturday to get added to the next run, after seeing the pics that were posted I couldn't help myself. Kathy emailed back saying a few people passed and that if I wanted to I could have a pair now. I confirmed payment on Monday and they are shipping out today, should be here in hopefully a week or so.

A big thanks to the 7.5D guys who passed on the recent DC Ravello LWB, also to the enablers haha. I emailed this past Saturday to get added to the next run, after seeing the pics that were posted I couldn't help myself. Kathy emailed back saying a few people passed and that if I wanted to I could have a pair now. I confirmed payment on Monday and they are shipping out today, should be here in hopefully a week or so.

Wearing my Tankers today and I am blown away by the color of Alden #8, whatever special overdye juice they put on them is amazing. I am smitten with the color and will have to now really keep my eye out for the #8 Leffot Dover preorder when it comes around.

Wearing my Tankers today and I am blown away buy the color of Alden #8, whatever special overdye juice they put on them is amazing. I am smitten with the color and will have to now really keep my eye out for the #8 Leffot Dover preorder when it comes around.

Other makers may offer a better shell products at similar price points: Vass, Carmina, C&J

But none of them makes shell as shiny as Alden's shell. So it's a give or take, depending on preference. Exclusivity drives a lot of demand as well.

Carmina's shell quality lags significantly behind Alden, C&J, and Vass. Not a fan of Carmina's lasts either. I think Vass and C&J's price points are a little higher, although in a year or two that probably won't be so.

Carmina's shell quality lags significantly behind Alden, C&J, and Vass. Not a fan of Carmina's lasts either. I think Vass and C&J's price points are a little higher, although in a year or two that probably won't be so.

Carmina use Horween I thought? Are there different grades of Horween shell?

I'm taking a Mediterranean cruise next year and need a great pair of walking shoes (maybe 2 ) … to pair with odd trousers, jackets and the occasional casual suit. Anyone have any experience with the welterweight w/rubber sole? Also looking at the Snuff Dover (mostly because I just want them), but not sure about the leather sole for walking around the streets of the Riviera. Thinking about keeping to a plain toe. Any thoughts?